Black-headed Heron

[Dave Barnes]

This image was captured in November last year at the local University sports grounds where the herons nest on an island.
The image was made early in the morning with dark clouds looming in the BG and the sun popping through and lighting the bird.
We only had a very short while before the sweet light was lost altogether.

Canon 1D mk3
Canon 500 f4
ISO 800
f4
SS 1/5000
spot metering

[Chris van Rooyen]

Very dramatic Dave, almost surreal:-) you did well to control the whites!

[Axel Hildebrandt]

Pose and details look good. First I thought you underexposed the sky since it looks quite blue for clouds, I agree it does look dramatic and I might crop it a bit tighter.

[david cramer]

The dark clouds do give it a surreal look. Nice work controlling the highlights.

[Stu Bowie]

The morning when the sun came out for a few minutes. I remember it well. Sweet light, great angle of flight, and Im glad you left the tree tops in the comp. I would maybe take a bit off the right Dave.

[Stephen Earle]

I like the space you left here Dave. Dramatic lighting for sure!

[Chris Kotze]

Super captured Dave well exposed and great colours

[Mark Dumbleton]

Stunning Dave! Light conditions that really create alot of drama! Super comp and like the included green trees at the bottom. Great exposure.

[Dave Barnes]

Thanks to all for looking and for comments.